Once again Spain had some difficulties in their second World Cup
warm-up game, although in the end they came through with a late strike from
Jesús Navas to beat the Korean Republic 1-0. Del Bosque used the
occasion to give a run out to his second string players, with Reina in goal,
Javi Martínez making his first start and 24 year old Sergio Ramos taking
the captain's arm-band for the first time.

The new men took some time to get to know each other, and the
first chances of the match fell to the South Koreans, with Reina having to save
from Lee Chung Yong and Kim Jung Woo shooting just wide. Spain rallied though,
Mata being tackled at the last minute as he lined up to shoot, and Llorente
heading over. With ten minutes to go to the break Fábregas fired a shot
against the bar, although Reina had to be at his best to keep out Park Chu
Young and Lee Chung Yong on the stroke of half time.

Reina's double save was his last of the match as Del Bosque
brought on Víctor Valdés for his international debut at the
interval. The Barça keeper had little to do, although Korea were having
the better of things, and Del Bosque didn't wait too long before bringing on
his big guns. The introduction of the two Xavis livened things up, and David
Villa carved out two or three chances soon after he made his appearance. It was
not until four minutes from the end though that Spain finally won it, Albiol
winning the ball back in midfield and passing across for Jesús Navas to
fire an impressive shot wide of Jung Sung Ryon. Another victory for "La Roja",
but proof again that there will be no easy opponent in South Africa.